Job summary
Derbyshire
Mind's Rookie Runners is designed to support people in our community to become
more active, improve their physical and mental wellbeing, and build confidence
through running. The programme follows a structured Couch to 5K progression,
gradually building participants' fitness and ability over 12 weeks in a
supportive, non-judgemental environment.
As a Run Lead
Volunteer, you will receive a fully funded run lead qualification through
England Athletics, equipping you with the skills and knowledge to safely lead
group running sessions. You will work alongside other volunteers and charity
staff as part of a friendly and supportive team, creating a welcoming
atmosphere for all participants.
Main duties of the job
The main purpose of this Run Lead Volunteer role is to
safely and confidently lead a group of 6-10 beginner runners through a
structured 12-week programme, supporting their physical and mental wellbeing
journey. This includes:
-
Leading or
co-leading weekly running sessions following the pre-formulated Couch to 5K
progression programme,
-
Creating a
warm, welcoming and inclusive environment where all participants feel
supported and encouraged,
-
Ensuring the
safety and wellbeing of all participants during sessions, including
conducting appropriate warm-ups and cool-downs,
-
Motivating
and encouraging participants at all ability levels, celebrating their
progress and achievements,
-
Being aware
of participants' mental and physical wellbeing and providing empathetic
support where appropriate,
-
Working
collaboratively with other volunteers and charity staff as part of a
supportive team,
-
Completing
the fully funded run lead qualification and all required training including
first aid, mental health awareness, equality, diversity and human rights, and
safeguarding,
-
Promoting
physical activity as a tool for improving and maintaining mental wellbeing,
-
Being a
positive and enthusiastic ambassador for Derbyshire Mind.
About us
Derbyshire Mind is your local independent mental health charity. We provide a range of community mental health and wellbeing services designed to support people with mental health problems, improve mental health and wellbeing and to help promote better mental health and wellbeing for all throughout the population of Derby and Derbyshire.
Job description
Job responsibilities
The tasks involved with this role include:
-
Complete the fully funded England Athletics run lead
qualification and all mandatory training including first aid, mental health
awareness, equality, diversity and human rights, and safeguarding. Engage
with e-learning modules and attend any refresher training or volunteer
meetings as required.
-
Welcome participants and helping them to feel
comfortable and included. Build rapport and encourage social connection
within the group.
-
Work as a team with a fellow run lead and volunteer
supporters to support and encourage the group
-
Safely co-lead the weekly 1-hour running sessions,
including facilitating warm-up exercises, leading the group through the
designated running/walking intervals according to the programme progression,
and conducting appropriate cool-down stretches.
-
As part of the volunteer team, check in with runners,
adapting pace and encouragement to suit all ability levels within the group.
-
Conduct informal risk assessments of routes and weather
conditions before each session. Ensure all participants are accounted for
throughout the session. Be prepared to respond to any incidents or injuries
using first aid training (seeking additional support or emergency services if
necessary / appropriate).
-
Maintain communication with the Services Lead and
Wellbeing Coordinator regarding session attendance, participant progress, and
any concerns. Complete any required record-keeping or feedback forms. Inform
the charity of any absences or changes to availability in advance where
possible.
Job description
Job responsibilities
The tasks involved with this role include:
-
Complete the fully funded England Athletics run lead
qualification and all mandatory training including first aid, mental health
awareness, equality, diversity and human rights, and safeguarding. Engage
with e-learning modules and attend any refresher training or volunteer
meetings as required.
-
Welcome participants and helping them to feel
comfortable and included. Build rapport and encourage social connection
within the group.
-
Work as a team with a fellow run lead and volunteer
supporters to support and encourage the group
-
Safely co-lead the weekly 1-hour running sessions,
including facilitating warm-up exercises, leading the group through the
designated running/walking intervals according to the programme progression,
and conducting appropriate cool-down stretches.
-
As part of the volunteer team, check in with runners,
adapting pace and encouragement to suit all ability levels within the group.
-
Conduct informal risk assessments of routes and weather
conditions before each session. Ensure all participants are accounted for
throughout the session. Be prepared to respond to any incidents or injuries
using first aid training (seeking additional support or emergency services if
necessary / appropriate).
-
Maintain communication with the Services Lead and
Wellbeing Coordinator regarding session attendance, participant progress, and
any concerns. Complete any required record-keeping or feedback forms. Inform
the charity of any absences or changes to availability in advance where
possible.
Person Specification
Experience
Essential
Qualifications
Essential
Skills, Qualities, and Experience
Essential
- Warm, friendly and approachable demeanour with the ability to put people at ease
- Patient, encouraging and non-judgemental attitude towards people of all abilities
- Reliable and committed with good timekeeping
- Enthusiastic about running and physical activity as a tool for wellbeing
- Empathetic and understanding towards people experiencing mental health challenges
- Positive role model who can inspire and motivate others
- Willing to work outdoors in various weather conditions
- Is over 18 years old
- Can undertake/perform basic first aid
- Good communication skills with the ability to give clear instructions and encouragement
- Ability to work effectively as part of a team
- Basic organisational skills to prepare for sessions
- Willingness to learn and undertake training
- Ability to remain calm and respond appropriately in challenging situations
Person Specification
Experience
Essential
Qualifications
Essential
Skills, Qualities, and Experience
Essential
- Warm, friendly and approachable demeanour with the ability to put people at ease
- Patient, encouraging and non-judgemental attitude towards people of all abilities
- Reliable and committed with good timekeeping
- Enthusiastic about running and physical activity as a tool for wellbeing
- Empathetic and understanding towards people experiencing mental health challenges
- Positive role model who can inspire and motivate others
- Willing to work outdoors in various weather conditions
- Is over 18 years old
- Can undertake/perform basic first aid
- Good communication skills with the ability to give clear instructions and encouragement
- Ability to work effectively as part of a team
- Basic organisational skills to prepare for sessions
- Willingness to learn and undertake training
- Ability to remain calm and respond appropriately in challenging situations
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
